Cosmopolitanrecently unveiled its July 2015 cover featuring Nicki Minaj. The queen of Young Money was more than beach-ready in suits ranging from smiley faces and sex stars to runway-ready gold and silver sequins and strategic cut-outs.

And while she werked those poses, what we are so here for is her thick luscious mane of dark curls! Minaj’s sultry ‘do’s were styled by Oscar James, who has been coiffing her tresses since her toned-down debut back in April 2013 on the cover of Elle. While James opted for a high top knot in one look, the rest of the spread featured Minaj with full and bouncy soft curls and wind-blown waves.

Click through to check out more pics from the spread, behind-the-scenes video and select quotes from the interview, including her thoughts on how every woman should get the pay they deserve, as well as climax every. single. time.

Photo Credit: Matthias Vriens-McGrath/ Cosmopolitan

On recording The Pinkprint after a tough breakup with Safaree Samuels:“I didn’t [set out] to write a personal album, but The Pinkprint came at a very crucial time in my life. I realized that people can up and take off at any given moment. As women, we are vulnerable and emotional, and that’s OK. I had to learn quickly that if you don’t have a sense of self, you can be destroyed by a man. You can be destroyed by a relationship. I had to ask myself, ‘Who am I? Is this good enough?’ I had to approve of myself and my skills.”